Mahsi, Mr. Chair. (English not provided)
I would just like to highlight some key points here as a general statement to the Minister. We talk about the government-to-government issues and resolving issues. There is always ongoing discussion. We sign off land claim agreements with various parties as the GNWT perspective. We sign off with aboriginal governments, along with the federal government. It's an agreement that has to be fully respected. You know, we've always heard our elders tell us work together. There will be hard times, but we must work together as much as we can. We will get over the hurdle.
The reason I am saying that is sometimes we talk about the government. We, as the GNWT, are a government for the Northwest Territories. At the same time, our neighbours, Tlicho, has their own government as well. They are going on two years now and there will be other governments in the Northwest Territories as well. We must respect them as a government, stand-alone government. At the same time, we still have to work together.
When they signed the treaties, they have always stated as long as the sun shines, the river flows, we will not be restricted. We still hold that to our hearts. It's not our words, it's the words of our elders and ancestors who have passed on, but it's still written. Respect is a huge word in the communities. Whenever we go to communities, they respect us and we show that respect back.
We are still implementing these agreements and there are always hurdles or obstacles in the way that we must overcome. There are issues that may be minor and some may become major that we have to tackle. I would like to say here let's keep the doors open as government to government and pursue further as positive working relationships. There may have been stumbling blocks in the past with our neighbouring Tlicho Government. They are learning, as we are. We have been there before as the territorial government when we first started back in the early '70s. We have gone beyond that. I am sure the Tlicho Government will do the same thing.
Let's work with them. For sure, building a positive relationship will go a long way. And other governments as well. Mahsi.